Over centuries, the power, vitality, and creative force of youth have been the extraordinary synergy propelling the Chinese nation forward and establishing its prominent position in the family of nations! In recent years, a cohort of young directors has come to the fore, with their works deeply embedded in the soil of national culture, perpetually exhibiting a flourishing and powerful growth trend.。

In the Beijing Film Panorama section of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), a special curated session titled "Dynamic Youth, Driving Force of Chinese Films" is introduced. This session features seven outstanding films by young directors that have become significant both in artistic achievement and market success since the 18th CPC National Congress, aiming to showcase the shared growth of young filmmakers and the times. Through the lens of young directors, let us take a retrospective glimpse into the thriving panorama of Chinese cinema over the past decade.

Brotherhood of Blades 2014

Using the symbolism of blades, the film unfolds the tale of three imperial guards during the tumultuous years of the late Ming Dynasty under the rule of Emperor Chongzhen, as they find themselves entangled in a grand historical whirlpool and forced to uphold their values against all odds. As director Lu Yang put it, "The film neither explores the broad concept of Jianghu (or an ever-changing and uncertain world) depicted in conventional martial arts films, nor does it portray the archetypal swordsmen commonly seen in such films. It is more akin to ordinary individuals in everyday life."

Kaili Blues 2015

As filmmaker Tsai Ming Liang aptly remarked, "Films are not just about storytelling; at times, they resemble poetry." Kaili Blues exemplifies such a film that intertwines poetry and dreams. Director Bi Gan masterfully combines his personal interpretation of visual space, unique taste in poetry, and profound emotions towards his homeland and its people, culminating in this enchanting and unrestrained work. Let us revisit Dangmai (a place that does not exist in the Miao language) together and venture into the realm of dreams.

　

Dying to Survive 2018

With this film, Wen Muye quickly made a name for himself and won the Golden Rooster Award for Best Directorial Debut. This film, adapted from true events, delves into profound analysis of social issues, evoking a strong resonance within society. The performances of Xu Zheng, playing the role of a health supplements peddler, Wang Chuanjun, who portrays the character of a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia, Zhang Yu, who plays the role of Yellow Hair, and Tan Zhuo, who plays the role of a single mother, were all marked by their exquisite acting skills.

Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains 2019

With its breathtaking debut, The Wandering Earth marked 2019 as the "year of Chinese sci-fi films". Inspired by the novel of the same name written by renowned science fiction author Liu Cixin, this film weaves a captivating narrative of humanity's desperate mission to flee the solar system alongside Earth, as the imminent destruction of the sun looms, all in pursuit of a new home for our species. Garnering critical acclaim both domestically and internationally, this film has set a new record for overseas box office revenue for Chinese sci-fi films. Its success can be attributed not only to its stunning visual effects but also to the underlying humanistic message of a "community with a shared future for mankind". Don't miss the BJIFF Special of The Wandering Earth: Beyond 2020 Special Edition, which promises an upgraded and captivating experience.

B for Busy 2021

With a unique and humorous love story, this film deconstructs Federico Fellini's original work and paints a "middle-class love portrait" from a female perspective. B for Busy, written and directed by the talented Shao Yihui, astutely captures the distinctive essence of Shanghai, earning her the Golden Rooster Award for Best Writing.

　Chang An 2023

Opening with the story of Gao Shi and Li Bai, the film showcases a constellation of literary figures such as Du Fu, Wang Wei, and Zhang Xu, depicting the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. Through the perfect fusion of traditional ethnic culture and the contemporary zeitgeist, the two young directors have meticulously produced Chang An over a period of over three years. Backed by a team of almost 300 people dedicated to an original work and a formidable network of nearly 1,000 industry professionals, every frame of this film presents breathtaking visuals and every aspect is imbued with deeply touching details.

These seven passionately crafted works either showcase the unique styles of young creators, demonstrate their strong command of genre creation, or reveal their profound insights into social issues. They are also imbued with distinct regional features and cultural depth. Together, these young creators freely express contemporary Chinese society through visual storytelling, exerting a certain social influence and representing the new bloods, new attitudes, and fresh dynamics of today's Chinese cinema.

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